Ghana issues Africa’s first FLEGT timber licence

Ghana officially launched the FLEGT licence, issuing Africa’s first FLEGT timber licence.

• Launch details: Ghana’s FLEGT licence system went live on 15 August 2025 and the formal launching ceremony was held on 18 August 2025; the country is the first in Africa and second globally after Indonesia to issue a FLEGT licence, and Parliament ratified 131 Timber Utilisation Contracts (TUCs) the month prior as the final regulatory step.
• Implementation and compliance: The rollout follows ~16 years of reform, collaboration and investment, includes training of more than 350 industry operators, and ensures FLEGT-licensed products automatically comply with the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) and support compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation.